- And he said to me, “Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” Acts 22:21-22 – What person would you get frustrated over if you knew God was seeking to show love and grace to them? We must remember God’s offer of salvation is meant for all. So the people in prison for horrible crimes are offered His forgiveness and love. The bully that you can’t stand is offered God’s salvation. The person in this life that hurt you the worst is able to be saved by Jesus too. We though not only need to be just “fine” with the fact that they can receive God’s salvation like we have, but we need to be praying deeply that they will receive it. That may mean though we become the ones sharing the message of God’s love to the people we once thought didn’t deserve it. That’s our mission. Let not our heart be cold to certain people like the Jews in our passage, but let us be ready to share God’s love with all that God brings our way. I loves you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 651
- And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said… Acts 22:2 – At the end of the last chapter, the mob was in such a violent uproar against Paul that the soldiers had to carry him out of the chaos. Yet before he is taken away, he asks if he could address the mob that was coming after him and is allowed to do so. We see that a moment ago it was shouting and violence, but when Paul spoke in their language, they became quiet. When we speak in a familiar language, we’ll get a better audience. Maybe this looks like actually speaking someone’s language who doesn’t speak English. To do so you may need to study and learn some of their language to share the truth of God’s word well with them. Maybe speaking their language looks like understanding their interest and hobbies and weaving that into your talk with them. Maybe speaking their language means learning their trauma and struggles and speaking in such a way that is aware of their triggers and fears. Maybe its speaking to them as someone who knows very little about the Bible, rather than speaking to them as if they were a biblical scholar. For if the language we speak to them they don’t understand, then our message is just static to them, and God’s gospel message should never sound like static. Seek then to know your audience and seek to speak to them in a way they will understand and listen. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2548
Daily DEVO 